Sustainability is important to us
Many of the soft furnishings have been lovingly upcycled by local craftsman, using traditional techniques – these include the chaise lounges in the upstairs rooms and the comfy armchairs… all ready to welcome you after a busy day of exploring. Most of our consumable items for the house, be that cleaning products to beer, are sourced from local independent businesses.
Old Houses are challenging to work with and listed building consents can impact some decisions. However, we are making every effort to make The Old Hall as sustainable as possible. We have reused and upcycled furniture – all the armchairs’ downstairs and the chaise lounges upstairs have been restored by the very talented Emma Tomlinson of E J T Interior Design and Upholstery. Most of them would have met their demise at the local skip otherwise. The chaise lounge pictured is in the master bedroom and looks magnificent. Much of the wooden furniture is hundreds of years old.
Please help us to save energy as much as possible by keeping the curtains closed in the winter evenings and using the draught excluders provided. As the additional buildings are restored, we are looking at what energy saving devices we can use subject to listed building consents. In 2023 we will be doing further work on the garden as part of this we are looking to preserve the natural resources already found here as wildlife, particularly a large number of birds enjoy the space.
We also look to ensure we buy locally as much as possible, be that food, equipment or services. Many of our local shops sell food produced here in Derbyshire reducing the airmiles. It is also delicious and helps support the local economy. The bottles of beer we provide in the welcome hamper are all brewed in The Peak District with one ‘Bouza’ from the Dovedale Brewing Company using remains of bread waste from the local baker.
We have a herb garden as you enter the back door for making your food extra tasty. We have recently had a bumper crop of damsons so hoping for some Damson gin availability in 2023 for some lucky guests. We have however left at least half the crop for our extensive bird families to enjoy – along with other garden visitors. We know hedgehogs like them as a snack as we found a horde in a hedgehog house.
